THE most contaminated site in Woking, which poses a threat to public health, is set to become home to 29 new flats.

Plans to build the one and two-bedroom properties in Connaught Road, Brookwood, were agreed at a Woking Borough Council meeting on Wednesday (June 12).

Despite objections from residents, applicant Hampshire Property Investments was successful in its bid for eight one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom flats after the industrial buildings there are demolished.

The proposed new building is two-and-a-half storeys high.

According to a report put before planners, the creosote contamination is considered to be severe - and remediation, which is estimated to cost the developer in excess of £410,000, is urgently sought.

Planning officials said the area, which is now home to Wesson Fencing, was considered the borough’s most contaminated site, posing a considerable threat to the public health of Brookwood residents as well as the natural environment.

The proposed development would include 33 parking spaces provided on the basis of one per home, which objectors said was insufficient.

Concerns about traffic congestion and the scale and height, plus over-development, were raised.

Speaking at the meeting, Brookwood councillor Kevin Davis said: “On the one hand obviously there is some extremely good reasons why this should be granted – primarily being the contaminated land.

"I have got concerns along with the residents about the parking. Parking is extremely difficult in Brookwood.

“I worry that one [space] per flat is not enough.”

Alan Winn, who has lived in Brookwood for 33 years, spoke on behalf of residents objecting to the application. He suggested fewer flats.

Mark Leedale, of Mark Leedale Planning, spoke on behalf of the applicant and said: "We all have the common objective of decontaminating this site."

According to the document put before planners, the site contamination has come about due to practices with creosote during the time the previous tenant was there.

In 2007, a ground investigation survey commissioned by the council indicated that creosote emanating from the site had contaminated the soil groundwater and the Basingstoke Canal.

The report said the development proposal would enable the contamination to be properly remedied.

Dave Green, managing director of Wesson Fencing, which employs 11 people, including seven living in the area, said: “We have been looking for other sites but we have been unable to find anything.”

He said the company still had a three-and-a-half year lease on the land.